Incident
Patrolman James F. Mitchell was shot and killed as he and his partner were questioning suspects. Officer Mitchell and Officer John Burke observed four suspicious men on the street. As Officer Mitchell questioned them and began a protective search for weapons, one of the men attempted to flee. As he fled, he drew a revolver and fired, striking Officer Mitchell. Officer John Burke identified the killer who was arrested and charged with murder. Officer Burke was shot and killed in the line of duty a month later on December 16, 1915. Officer Mitchell was transported to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his wounds several hours later.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-D12537BA- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
You barely got started.
Patrolman Mitchell gave the Chicago Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Mitchell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman James F. Mitchell is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In IL, 842 of 1,318 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.9% of this state's fallen. That is 9.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Chicago Police Department, 396 of 571 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James F. Mitchell's cause is highlighted.
How James F. Mitchell Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James F. Mitchell is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James F. Mitchell was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
570 officers from Chicago Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.















